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Asked: Where are the best places to see the fall colors in the Chattanooga area?

CHA_Fall_Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad provides a unique way to see the fall colors. | Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau

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Well, y’all, I am over this heat. Chloé here + when the blazing temperatures get to be too much for a summer-dress-wearing, sun worshiper like me, you know it’s serious.

The National Weather Service is reporting that high temperatures over the next couple of days won’t be lower than 93º. So, what does this mean for those of us looking forward to some brilliant fall colors?

With the first official day of fall (Sept. 23) approaching, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported that hot, dry weather can cause some trees to go dormant early or lose leaves, meaning the colors might not be as intense.

NewsChannel 9 meteorologist Brian Smith weighed in on topic, after we asked him what to expect from the leaves and temperatures + said the cool weather should finally be here by the end of the month.

“Moderate drought can delay the colors. Some trees are more tolerant than others, but the big ones we have here, hopefully not impacted much. However, severe drought (like a few years ago) can have a bigger impact. Browning and falling quicker. Blast of cool around the 26th-27th.” 👇

Length of night, weather and leaf pigments all contribute to whether the colors will pop in the fall, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

We want to hope for the best + are taking your feedback about the best places to see the fall colors. 🍂Join the conversation on Facebook here and Instagram here + tell us your favorite places in the area to see the fall leaves.

Here are a few ideas from readers.

“Back roads to Lynchburg then take the Jack Daniels tour. My dad and I used to do it every year.” — Corey C.

“Nantahala in North Carolina is my favorite spot. Also Asheville. Pigeon forge ain’t bad either. But the trails here are also a good place to see them. I don’t think we’ll have much opportunity to see the leaves change since it’s been so dry tho.” — Tia S.

“Point park. Signal Mtn. TN River Gorge. Tennessee Valley Railroad.” — Jay T.

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